Standing outside the majestic fisherman's church of St Peters Redcar, on a beautiful Autumn Sunday and a day in earnest. The morning worship had just finished, ladies were busying themselves putting away the morning coffee cups, while the Rev John Wheatman was preparing for christenings, I was there to celebrate a new member to Redcar community, my neighbours granddaughter Phoebe Lauren. Three hours later, I stood at the same church door heralding the arrival of Lord Zetland, Mrs Lifeboat Vera Robinson MBE and the Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland. They walked through a cascade of Redcar Lifeboat men dressed in blue woollen sweaters forming the parade guard assailed with flags. Centre stage the famous Zetland Lifeboat drum. The drum was ushered forward, as the column marched on up centre isle of St Peters Church to the alter and history was made. We celebrated this day the families that had manned the Redcar lifeboat for 200 years. They had their names read out in the roll of honour. While In pride of place within our thoughts was the Zetland lifeboat, who trusty oak timbers on Monday October 6th 2002 have stood ready to serve and rescue on the shores of Redcar for two centuries, now retired though ever vigilant, her place and presence focused into the hearts of Redcar's community, a life of service, sacrifice and deed, to rescue those in peril on the sea. While Napoleon's drums of war were beating a call to arms, the Zetland drum was beating a very different call, a call of mercy-and Redcar's first Lifeboat answered her call to rescue. Marking the beginning in 1802 a career of service which would last 78 years and save hundreds of lives. By December of that year, 1802, she had sssaved 15 lives. By 1810 that number had become 61 in 1825 she had saved 155 lives and ten years later on. 1835, that total grew to 218. On Christmas Day 1836, during a rescue mission to the Brig Caroline the Bowman William Guy was swept overboard by
a breaking sea and lost his life. He was the only Zetland crew member to lose his life. He is laid to rest in the St Peters Churchyard. On 15th November 1854 the Brig Jane Erskine of Belfast became stranded on the scars. Most of the Redcar Fishermen had gone off in their coble's to assist in an attempt to refloat her when suddenly the sea began to grow. So many of the fishermen went aboard to help to salvage
the ship. The remainder returned to shore. Unfortunately, because of the heavy seas, the brig keeled over allowing the sea to completely wash over her. The Zetland was launched and returned to shore safely with about 50 sailors aboard- by this time the Zetland had now saved 331 lives. In 1864, whilst on service, the Zetland was badly damaged and condemned to be broken up. The Old boat was so loved and trusted that a public subscription was raised to repair her. That continued love is why she is
still here today. Her last recorded service was to
the Brig Luna when she saved 7 souls. During her 78 years service from the Redcar beach she saved over 500 lives. 1864 to 1867 Lifeboat "Crossley" saved 6 1867 to 1884 Lifeboat "Burton on Trent" Saved 65 lives. 1877 to 1906 Lifeboat "Emma" Saved 40 lives 1884 to 1906 Lifeboat "Brothers" saved 71. 1907 to 1931 Lifeboat "Fifi and Charles saved 41 1931 to 1951 The first motor Lifeboat "Louisa Polden Saved 76 1951 to 1965 Lifeboat "City of Leeds" saved 31 1965 to 1972 Lifeboat Aguila Wren Saved 28 1972 to 1985 Lifeboat "Sir James Knott" Saved 63 Since then the new inshore fast Atlantic 21s and 75 lifeboats have saved another 364. The total number of lives saved at sea by the
Redcar Lifeboat men since 1802 is 1,316. The New "Leicester Challenger II" arrived on station in Redcar on 27th July 2002, Senior Helmsman Michael Picknett who's great grandfather served on the Zetland commands a fresh generation of men. "Come along brave boys beat the Zetland Drum come along" Throughout the world a call to the life boat is now common place as many thousands of men and women take the call to rescue, it was in Redcar that the first kindling's of a voluntary service and selfless sacrifice was born. From Redcar the RNLI became the worlds greatest rescue service. I can't list all the men
of Redcar that formed the crew of our lifeboats to their Coxswains, I commend their lives commitment and thank the families of Redcar for giving to us their service, free from reward, a duty to your fellow man. Coxswains: Robert Dobson, Joseph Burnical, Richard Picknett, Joseph Burnicle. Michael Burnicle, William Upton, William Atkinson, Robert Stonehouse, Joseph Hall, Thomas Picknett, Ronald Williams, Ronald Dixon. David Buckworth, John Price and Michael Picknett. Thank you for your support.

Report by Philip Chisholm. Distinction Award Holder in life saving, former Redcar beach
patrol life guard and shore crew to the
Sir James Knott. History collated by David Phillipson Long Service Award holder Redcar RNLI. Further information Ring 01642 485322